THE Penang government places a strong emphasis on character building alongside its focus on educational and talent development for the youth, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Emphasising the significance of cultivating strong character in students, Chow highlighted its role in ensuring that the future of the nation is led by a generation with morals and humanity, embodying essential qualities for holistic leadership.
Chow addressed the importance of character during the closing ceremony of the Anti-Bullying Briefing, organised by the Padang Kota Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK), in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), for students at St Xavier’s Institution today.
He stressed that possessing noble character is a fundamental value for individuals.
“Character plays a crucial role in shaping one’s identity. Harming others, whether emotionally, verbally, or physically, diminishes one’s dignity. There is nothing to be proud of in being identified as a bully.
“As a father and the chief minister of this state, I urge each of you to think carefully before taking any action. You are the future leaders. If any of you engage in bullying activities, it not only affects the victim but also has indirect impacts on parents, relatives, families, teachers, and school administrators,” Chow advised.
The briefing was part of the Penang Goes Orange (PGO) campaign, designed to combat bullying.
This year’s PGO campaign, themed #Kindness4wellness: Stop Bullying, is one of the state government’s initiatives, which also aligns with the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) School Wellness initiative: United and Safe in addressing bullying issues.
Referring to MOE’s latest report, Chow highlighted a concerning surge in school bullying cases this year with 4,994 cases recorded as of last October, compared to the same period in 2022.
Acknowledging that students involved in bullying often grow up in unhealthy or unconducive environments or families, he urged seeking solutions to help them.
“With the increasing number of bullying incidents, campaigns to raise awareness among students on this issue are crucial. These efforts aim to instil humane qualities such as empathy, concern, respect, and openness to differences,” he added.
Chow expressed his gratitude to teachers who have dedicated their time, energy, and resources to educate the nation’s children.
He also extended appreciation to the organisers, Padang Kota JPWK, the Northeast District police headquarters, and the school for their initiative to strive for zero bullying.
Padang Kota JPWK chairperson Datin Anna Yeoh Phaik Suan said approximately 250 Form One students attended the briefing conducted by Insp Mohd Shahrul Nizam Abdullah.
Also present at the closing ceremony were SXI director Bro Jason Blaike, SXI Management Committee chairman Victor Tan, SXI principal Goh Hong Peng, SXI Parent-Teacher Association chairman Lee Heng Seng and SXI senior counsellor James Koay.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi